Disease Research Areas

Liver disease area

Human liver plays an important role in fat metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and blood purification. Liver disease is caused by various factors, including hepatitis B and C viruses, excessive alcohol intake, obesity, and autoimmune diseases. In developing countries, hepatitis B virus is the main cause, while other factors are the main causes in developed countries.

It is estimated that up to 10% of the population in China has been infected with hepatitis B virus. In addition, with the rapid economic development in recent years, there has been a significant increase in liver disease caused by obesity.

Many patients with liver fibrosis do not show specific symptoms, but liver function gradually declines over several years as fibrosis progresses. Even if symptoms improve with successful treatment with antiviral drugs, liver fibrosis may progress for several years.

The most common tests to examine liver function are liver enzyme tests such as ALT (GPT) and AST (GOT). Additionally, liver biopsy is the most accurate method to determine the extent of fibrosis.

Fibrosis may progress to cirrhosis without being detected by tests. During the cirrhosis stage, liver function declines rapidly and may lead to acute liver failure (ACLF), which increases the morbidity and mortality of patients. Currently, liver transplantation is the only treatment option, but it is expensive and has a shortage of donors. Furthermore, the risk of hepatitis B and C infection in transplanted livers needs to be considered.